Cyber-Physical Systems Research Center

The mission of the Cyber-Physical Systems Research Center (CPSRC) is to promote and facilitate collaborative research activities within UCSC as well as with its academic and industrial partners on key cyber-physical systems topics. CPSRC will foster novel foundational and applied research to support applications such as smart cities and buildings, power grids, agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and connected health.

What are Cyber-Physical Systems?

Cyber-­physical systems (CPSs) are built from, and depend upon, the seamless integration of computational algorithms and physical components. These systems combine digital and analog devices, interfaces, sensors, networks, actuators, and computers with the natural environment and with human-made objects and structures. Just as the Internet has transformed the way people interact with information, cyber-­physical systems are transforming the way people interact with the physical world. At the same time, the scale and inherent heterogeneity of these systems pose tremendous engineering challenges. New technological approaches are needed to formalize their design, manage and control them in a scalable, efficient, and secure way, and ensure their usability.

CPSRC Reseach Areas

Autonomous Systems

Aerial vehicles in the National Airspace as part of commercial aviation, disaster relief, and search/rescue missions. Personal robots for household assistance. Self-driving vehicles.